Store owner, manager charged with selling spice in Hernando

WEEKI WACHEE — A convenience store owner and manager were arrested Friday on suspicion of selling the synthetic marijuana commonly known as spice, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

At about 9:45 a.m., vice and narcotics unit detectives executed a search warrant at the Mobil station, 6200 Commercial Way. They seized 891 packets of "super strong incense" and various other products commonly known as spice, ranging in size from 3 to 15 grams. They also took two boxes of synthetic cannabinoids test kits and $1,000.

Gregory Alan Jones, 51, and Shirley Ann Lane, 64, were both charged with selling a controlled substance and being in possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Both were being held Friday afternoon at the Hernando County Detention Center in lieu of $10,000 bail.

For more than a year, the Sheriff's Office has been telling convenience stores about the change in Florida law that bans possession of many chemicals found in synthetic marijuana. Deputies warned Jones and Lane several times, as recently as December 2012, deputies said.

This is the first time Hernando authorities have arrested a convenience store owner or employee on suspicion of selling spice, said Denise Moloney, the Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.